Campsite planned for St Columb’s Park

Plans by Derry City Council to set up campsite beside St Columb’s Park to accommodate visitors to the city during next year’s City of Culture have met with some concern from local residents.

A public information session held in St Columb’s Park House this week residents from Browning Drive and the Limavady Road put their concerns directly to council officials.

If the site, which would cost £290,000, gets the planning green light, it could be open as soon as next May

One of the main concerns expressed by residents was the impact of the planned campsite on traffic. Residents said there had already been a massive increase in traffic in the area since the opening of the Peace Bridge and the proposed campsite would only increase the problem.

Council officials explained that the proposed site bounds both St Columb’s Park and Ebrington and would therefore be some some distance from local houses. They undertook however, to take on board the concerns expressed by residents.